A one-day prayer session has been held in Lokoja the Kogi State Capital for the release of the abducted girls of the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State in custody of a terrorist group, Boko Haram.
The girls were abducted on April 14 after the sect members attacked the community.
The Kogi State Government in collaboration with the office of the Wife of the State Governor, Hajia Halimat Wada and with Women for Change and Development Initiative, held the prayers at the Glass House, Government House Lokoja.
The Kogi State first lady, Hajia Halimat Wada, women from all walks of life, moslem and christian clergies gathered at glass house Auditorium to seek God’s divine intervention for the safe return of the Girls back to the arms of their respective families, and for peace and unity of the country.
The prayer session is the latest in efforts in different States to secure the release of the girls.
Bishop John Egbunu, State Chairman of CAN and Imam Justice Mansiru Bello delivered messages on the importance of prayers: fighting insurgency as a common enemy, said Christians and Moslems have lived peacefully, urged adherents of both religion not to be discouraged but pray and trust in God.
They clergymen urged Nigerians to see the fight against insurgency as a collective one for all Nigerians irrespective of religion, but work to fight this phase of life as a nation through collective prayers.
The Clergymen described the spate of insurgency in the country as the machinations of the devil against the peaceful coexistence of the nation, said it is a trial that will through prayers come to an end.
Prayers where held by Shirk Jimada Shafi, Chief Imam of Lokoja Central Mosque and Pastor Alfred Amode, Vice Chairman of CAN Kogi State all led other clergy men to prayers for peace of the nation and the safe return of the abducted girls .
In his remarks at the occasion, Capt Idris Wada, Kogi State Governor, Represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, described the federal government’s commitment to the release of the abducted girls as total.
He said the federal government has demonstrated empathy for those affected, lamented negative and slanted media reports over the abduction.
Capt Wada commended the support of the International Community, said the abduction has placed the girls of Chibok in the centre stage of world politics.
The governor called for interfaith cooperation, commended the uniqueness of the gathering and commended Hajia Halimat Wada for her innovation.
The Governor assured that with the multi dimensional efforts put in place,he was optimistic that the girls will return safe to their parents safe.
